Welcome to a taste of the Mediterranean with this fantastic recipe for Squid Stuffed with Vegetables and Cheese! Stuffed squid is a classic dish beloved across coastal cuisines for its elegance and delicious simplicity. This version packs tender squid tubes with a vibrant medley of sautéed sweet peppers, carrots, and tomatoes, all brought together with the savory kick of Parmesan cheese. Grilling adds a delightful smoky char that enhances the flavors, making this a perfect dish for a sunny afternoon barbecue or a special weeknight dinner. It's healthy, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make!
Squid stuffed with vegetables and cheese
Ingredients for Squid Stuffed with Vegetables and Cheese
- 3 whole squid, cleaned
- 2 bell peppers
- 1 onion
- 1 tomato
- 1 carrot
- 1 bunch of parsley
- 40g Parmesan cheese
- butter and olive oil
- pepper, sugar, and salt
How to Make Squid Stuffed with Vegetables and Cheese
Clean the thawed squid tubes from the inside—remove the innards and the transparent quill (cartilage). For stuffed squid, you can leave the skin on, as it peels off easily during cooking. However, if it comes off the raw squid without any trouble, you can remove it at this stage.
Cleaning the thawed squid tubes from the inside
One by one, place the cleaned squid into boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Immediately transfer them to cold water and rinse to wash away any residue. Place the prepared squid tubes on paper towels to dry.
Placing the prepared squid tubes on paper towels to dry
Now, let’s make the filling for the stuffed squid. Peel and finely chop the onion. Cut the bell peppers in half, remove the seeds and stem. Dice the bell peppers. In a frying pan, heat one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter. Add the onion and peppers, and sauté for 7 minutes.
Grate the carrot on a coarse grater. Dice the tomato. Finely chop a bunch of parsley, including the stems. Add the carrot and tomato to the pan, and after 10 minutes, add the herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste, add a pinch of sugar, and cook for a few more minutes.
Let the vegetables cool slightly, then transfer them to a bowl. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well.
Pouring olive oil and butter into a pan, adding onion and pepper, and sautéing for 7 minutes
Adding carrot and tomato to the pan, after 10 minutes adding herbs and seasoning
Placing the vegetables in a bowl, adding grated Parmesan, and mixing
Fill the squid tubes with the stuffing, but not too tightly. The squid will shrink when heated, and if there’s too much filling, it might spill out and burn on the grill.
Filling the squid tubes with the stuffing
Preheat the grill. Brush the stuffed squid tubes with olive oil and place them on the hot grill. Cook for 3 minutes on each side. This is enough time to cook them through while keeping them juicy and tender.
Brushing the stuffed squid tubes with olive oil and placing them on a hot grill
Serve the squid stuffed with vegetables and cheese either warm or cold—it’s delicious either way. It pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted ciabatta, rubbed with a garlic clove and drizzled with olive oil.
Serving the squid stuffed with vegetables and cheese, either warm or cold
And there you have it—a beautiful and delicious dish of grilled squid stuffed with vegetables and cheese! This recipe is wonderfully versatile. Feel free to experiment with the filling by adding other ingredients like rice, mushrooms, or different herbs. It can be served as a stunning appetizer or a main course, accompanied by a fresh green salad or a side of couscous. Whether you enjoy it hot off the grill or chilled the next day, its flavors are sure to impress. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful taste of the sea. Bon appétit!
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